If you keep even a casual eye on the NBA Twitter and Facebook pages in this part of the world, you'd know that the lack of a TV deal is a bit of a sensitive issue for hoops fans.

Well, nearly a month into the season it looks like there's something to be grateful for on American Thanksgiving as BT Sport announced it will be the exclusive home of the NBA in the Ireland for the foreseeable future.

The first of the up to 200 games, including as many as seven live matches a week, to be broadcast across BT Sport 1, BT Sport 2 and ESPN will tip-off at 8.30pm on Sunday when the Indiana Pacers face the Los Angeles Clippers.

All the games will also be streamed live and free on for BT Sport subscribers on its website.

Simon Green, head of BT Sport, said: "BT Sport will be the new home of the NBA in the UK and Ireland.

"The NBA is simply the best basketball in the world. It is fast moving, high scoring and includes some the world’s most recognisable global sporting icons.

"Existing NBA fans will love our coverage, and we look forward to converting many more."

In addition to the regular season games, BT Sport will also cover the NBA All-Star weekend, including the three-point and slam dunk contests, as well as coverage of the Playoffs, including every game of the final two rounds.

Also, BT Sport will carry additional NBA shows including:

NBA Action which combines weekly highlights and news

NBA Inside Stuff will provide fans with a unique insight into the lives of NBA stars both on and off the court

NBA Tonight provides an overview of the NBA through interviews and analysis

NBA Countdown, the live game build up show before selected games

Dan Markham, NBA Vice President, Media Distribution & Emerging Markets, said: "This is a very exciting step for the NBA and basketball fans in the UK and Ireland,"

"With BT Sport’s first rate presentation and formidable portfolio of premium sports content, fans can now look forward to more NBA action than ever before in the UK and Ireland, including selected free streamed games.

"Through its innovative multi-platform offering of live NBA games, highlights, magazine shows and unique behind-the-scenes programming, BT Sport is the ideal partner to serve as the official broadcaster of the NBA."

Yes, it's a month late, but it does appear well worth the wait. And credit to BT Sport for finding enough change in the cushions after its monster Champions League to seal this deal.